Jaromir Jagr’s time with the Calgary Flames is likely coming to an end. According to reports from hockey insiders Elliotte Friedman and Bob McKenzie, Jagr and the Flames are “working on an exit” for the 45-year-old NHL veteran.
Jagr was given a one-year, $1 million deal — plus $1 million in performance bonuses — by the Flames at the beginning of October.
The 2017-18 season has been a disappointing one so far for Jagr. Injuries have kept the right winger to just 22 games played on the season, where he’s posted seven points and just 32 shots on goal in a very undefined role for Calgary. Jagr’s ice time has dropped from an average of around 17 minutes a night during his two and a half seasons with the Florida Panthers to just 13 minutes on the Flames’ fourth line this year.
In the offseason, the Panthers made waves by not re-signing the NHL veteran and letting Jagr jump to free agency. There were rumors that Jagr would consider a stint in Europe should no NHL teams come calling, but the Flames ultimately signed the 45-year-old before the start of the season.
While Jagr’s age has impacted his play, last season he posted 46 points in a healthy 82-game season and clearly still has some gas left in the tank to compete.
Friedman mentioned in his tweet that Jagr’s agent was given permission to talk to the 30 other NHL teams, but maybe the most interesting tidbit is that there is a rumored European interest for the forward. Should Jagr sign in Europe within the next few weeks, there is a possibility the 45-year-old could play for the Czech Republic team at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. The upcoming Olympics would likely be Jagr’s last chance at a medal, given his age, and terminating his NHL contract would make him eligible to participate given the timing.
While the reports that Jagr is on the market are heating up, there seems to be no imminent news or any rumored frontrunners for the veteran forward.